On this blessed day of Saint Nicholas I’m delighted to announce a giveaway where you can win a signed (or dedicated) Advance Reading Copy of the much anticipated final volume of the Book of the Ancestor trilogy,
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HOLY SISTER!
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To participate simply comment below this post and answer any (or all three) of the following three questions:
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1. Which of Mark’s books was the first one you read and what made you get a copy?
2. Do you have a favourite book by Mark? If yes, what makes it special for you?
3. Which of his characters would you like to read about in a new short story?
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The giveaway will end on Christmas Eve, 24th December 2018 and as usual, I will ask Mark to randomly select a winner.
This is, as always, an international giveaway, anyone can enter!
Wishing you the best of luck!
Agnes
Please note: your email address will be required for the submission but will NOT appear on the website!
(Alternatively you can also log in with your WordPress/Facebook/Twitter account)
Pre-order links for Holy Sister on Amazon US and UK
Pre-order links for Bound, a Book of the Ancestor short story on Amazon US and UK
The Holy Sister Candle is made and sold by Ash and Quill Candles.
that thorn guy 
1. Prince of Thorns due to an Amazon recommendation and the synopsis.
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1) Prince of Thorns, b/c I kept reading great reviews about it.
2) All of them!
3) I would say Jorg but I always answer with him so Jalan this time!
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1. Prince of Fools, because I saw it in my goodreads recommendations list
2. Wheel of Osheim, because I love the characters, their journey and growth (and particle accelerators)
3. More Snorri and Jalan would be awesome
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1) Red Sister because it sounded right up my alley with badass girls kicking ass!
2) Nona, for the above reasons and for her development and journey especially when it comes to trust and friendships
3) Kettle & Apple! Although a story about Abess Glass could be amazing!
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1. Which of Mark’s books was the first one you read and what made you get a copy? I was very late to the fantasy reading game back in about 2012-2013. I got into reading because I had some facial disfigurements, depression and anxiety issues so it was nice to escape to another world that although cruel I often found safer than the real world. The first book of Mark’s I purchased was Prince of Thorns and without being lame I purchased it because Conn said it was on par with Game of Thrones. I only knew Game of Thrones and the Dark Tower before this. Although not my favourite, it was one of my first baby steps into the scene I adore the most and I’ve followed all he’s written since.
2. Do you have a favourite book by Mark? If yes, what makes it special for you? Grey Sister or The Wheel of Oshiem. I’ll probably say Grey Sister though as I love everything about the characters, the world, it’s exciting, brutal and almost perfectly composed but without being too intense, complex or trying too hard to be forcefully different to stand out. The final statement is not a negative btw.
3. Which of his characters would you like to read about in a new short story? I really loved Jalan’s short story in the Art of War anthology and thought he was an exceptional creation. But, it would be him or Nona every day of the week.
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Following on from 3. Or Keot. I thought they were brilliant.
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1. My first foray into Mark’s books was Prince of Thorns, and I picked it up from a recommendation on my library website (go LAPL!). The second I finished it, I bought the trilogy.
2. I have two faves. Prince of Thorns made me fall in love with Mark’s prose, and I connected pretty hard to the dark yet contemplative Jorg. And Red Sister knocked my socks off. It’s the book I tell everyone they *have* to read.
3. I’d love a short story starring Ara. There’s more to her that I’m dying to know.
Thanks for the chance!
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1 – Prince of thorns, because the cover was gorgeous lol and it wasn’t at all what I was expecting
2 – Red Sister for now, the whole assassin nun and friendship got me
3 – Hard to say, but Apple is awesome, so she would be good, but Abess Glass too 🙂
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Prince of Thorns popped my Lawrence cherry. The cover piqued my interest and then the story was just wow, Jorg what a creation.
I have Red and Grey Sister awaiting me once I finish Bloody Rose by Nicholas Eames so have only read the Broken Empire trilogy thus far – I’d say the Prince is my favourite because although the other two books wove a more intricate story Prince was like a shock of ice cold water in the face – blew me away and that’ll always stick with me.
Sir Makin, or ‘The Makin’ Of’ as it should be titled – that’d be a great read – his life before Jorg would be an interesting playground for you Mark and while I love Jorg’s character it feels like you feel like you’ve exhausted him
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The first book – Prince of Thorns because of the attention it was getting and just because I liked the order of Prince, King, and emperor.
Favorite book Red Sister. One of the greatest ever prologue and opening line.
Would definitely love a Jalan Story
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1 – Prince of Thorns, because I had just finished Abercrombie’s First Law trilogy and a friend thought I would like your books. And I did!
2 – Emperor of Thorns, which is special because of how Jorg’s journey starts to subtly change over the course of the book and then comes to a wonderful and surprising ending.
3 – Zole, because I would like to know more about her life on the ice and before the convent.
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1. Which of Mark’s books was the first one you read and what made you get a copy?
– So I was in the bookstore one day looking for new books to read. I am horribly picky when it comes to books. If it doesn’t catch my attention at all it goes back on the shelf and I leave the bookstore with nothing in my bag except disappointment at having not found a new book. This was where I first discovered Prince Of Thorns. I picked it up and read the back and I immediately knew that this was it. That this was indeed the book that I was going to buy. It ended up coming home with me and I fell in love with the series.
2. Do you have a favourite book by Mark? If yes, what makes it special for you?
– I think Prince of Thorns was my favorite because it was the first one I had read and it was the one that made me love the series. I read them all in just a month or two. I was sad when I had finished them.
3. Which of his characters would you like to read about in a new short story
– I would like to read a new short story about Jal. He made me laugh a lot and I really liked his character. I like Jorg too but he’s brutal and I can relate to Jalan a lot more than I can Jorg.
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1. Prince of Thorns – I picked this up based on an absolutely gushing review by my pal Roger Bellini and it did not disappoint.
2. Red Sister – I think Mark improves with each new work and moving into a new world gave him a chance to really show off what he’s picked up over the years.
3. Prince Jalan – I feel like meeting most of his other characters comes with a real risk of death. But as long as you don’t trigger berserker Jalan you can have a pretty good time.
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I picked up Prince of Thorns from the library because the cover looked cool and I didn’t have anything to read. Then I started reading and didn’t stop. I read all night and finished it. Then I went back for the others. Thats when I knew I had to get my hands on all of them. I had to OWN them and not give them back after I read them. That’s where my love affair started. The books are a bit expensive in my country and I wasn’t making a lot of money back then but I helped a doctor pass his IELTS exam and he was so grateful he gave me a book voucher and I went straight to the bookshop and bought all 3 books in the Jorg series. I also lent them to my best friend so he could read them as well. I think my favorite book is Red Sister. It speaks to me somehow. I love the fact that Nona is a small and not very significant person but she’s still the hero of the story. Despite the bits I have to skip, I couldn’t read the bit about the donkey, too sad, I really enjoyed the story. The writing was interesting and engaging and though Mark is a man writing in the perspective of a woman, he doesn’t make it sound weird or uncomfortable. It’s perfectly natural and I enjoyed it immensely. As for the character I’d read more about, I’d pick Prince Jalan. He started off really whiny and selfish but then he really grew on me and I’d like to know more about him and his story. What happened after he won?
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1. Red Sister! Someone said it was a little like Arya’s storyline and was a cast of kick ass females. That was all I needed!
2. Nona is such a lovable main character and I love seeing all of her friendships develop!
3. I really enjoy Apple and Kettle and would love to see their times as novices!
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1) my first Look was Prince of Thorns and I read it because the main character seemed like an asshole.
2) Red Sister because the world was utterly new and complex anderen compelling and there were lots of strong female characters.
3) stories from Abess Glass from before she became Abess.
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1. Prince of Thorns was my first Mark Lawrence read. I was immediately sold on the cover – including the title, which is the reason I picked it up.
2. I’m going to cheat a little bit here and say that my favorite would be The Broken Empire Omnibus. Whenever I start rereading the story of Jorg I’m engulfed in the universe! The darkness there is so compelling, all the little hints to our world are amazing, and Jorg himself is my favorite character in any book I’ve read.
3. Hardly surprising, but I would love to read more about Jorg of Ancrath!
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1. Prince of Thorns – via grimdark posts on Goodreads.
2. Red sister – spectacular world building, layered protagonist.
3. Jalan Kendeth as cardinal (maybe even pope?) sounds hilarious…
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1) Red Sister because I found the blurb on Goodreads new releases and assassin nuns??? I was automatically in.
2) Also Red Sister, maybe because it was the first, but the entire series became my favourite so it has a special place in my heart.
3) Obvious answer is Ara because she’s the love of my life, but I would love to know more about Zole or Apple and Kettle before the story happened!
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1) Prince of Thorns. A blogger friend kept poking me until I tried it. Turns out my blogger friend has great taste.
2) Nope. Too hard to choose.
3) I’m gonna say Ara. I reckon she could hold down a story or two.
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1) Prince of Thorns
2) I haunt bookshops and the dust jacket drew my attention. The blurb on the back drew me in.
3) The Nuban. A very interesting character with a tantalising background.
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1. Prince of Thorns. My cousin gives the best Christmas gifts!
2. Almost impossible to choose but I’m going to say Red Sister because Nona is such an interesting character and that prologue very first line was just… wow!
3. I know there’s already a short story about him in Road Brothers but I’d love to read more about Brother Sim
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Prince of thorns was the first due to Robin Hobbs blurb
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1) First book of Mark’s I actually read was ‘Prince of Fools’ although I had the Broken Empire trilogy on my book shelf. They say never judge a book by its cover but its the cover which attracted me and I was hooked.
2) My favourite book(s) has to be the Red Sister and Grey Sister (can’t wait to sink my eyeballs in to Holy Sister). The writing is phenomenal and the characters are amazing. You can’t just read a chapter then put the book down.
3) The character i’d most like to read a short story about is the Red Queen. She’s a domineering and terrifying power but how did she get there? Who did she take down along the way? What made her be so ruthless?
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1. Prince of Thorns! I borrowed it from my sister and stayed up all night on a work night reading it. She’d thought ahead and loaned me all of the trilogy at once. 😀
2. Red/Grey sister. Mark’s characters are always so human, and his portrayal of preteen/teen girl politics is perfection.
3. Jane of the leucrota!
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1. Prince of thorns following several recommendations in a grim dark Facebook group.
2. Emperor of thorns – Jorg really came into his own as a character, so many good scenes, my personal favourite being where he used a cross bow to protect his family in a slightly unorthodox manner. That scene WAS Jorg.
3.Olidan Ancrath – I think his would be a very interesting story. (And maybe chella).
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1 Prince of Thorns, a friend had been shouting about it for years so I got it to go on holiday with, devoured that and the other two within the week.
2 King of Thorns is my favourite because I love how Jorg’s plan is slowly revealed and informed by the earlier narrative. Also the references to climbing and salvation really struck a chord with me.
3 Snorri is one of my favourite characters, I’d love to read more about him. Also I’d love more back story from the sisters in Book of the Ancestor, Kettle and Pan and the others.
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And Zole, and I’d like more of the Nuban, what he does after the Road Brothers story.
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1. Prince of Thorns. People on r/fantasy suggested it to me.
2. Red Sister. I simply care about the characters.
3. Sister Apple.
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1. Red sister because I saw it being raved about on the grimdark facebook page and immediately wanted to read the rest.
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I first heard of Prince of Thornes via amazon. I had just devoured that Game of Thrones guy’s books and was looking for another saga to feast on, amazon recommended the thorns trilogy and I ordered them…..there they sat, three glistening pristine paperbacks slowly accumulating a thin shimmer of dust.
I had my reasons of course, having gone through a spate of travelling which took me to the Sahara followed by northernmost Norway for a winter season. Upon my return home to Offa erm I mean Wales I took in the sight of my bookshelves and realised “I have time now” and so began my journey following Jorge and his men through similar climates (thankfully not situations). Since then I have gone out of my way (gladly I might add) to purchase signed copies, doodled copies, first prints, and books to actually read as opposed to sit there looking all fancy and glistening in their protective sleeves whispering “yes, you know it, I know it…I’m signed! Don’t touch me EVER except to gently and narrowly open the cover once every other month to glory upon my doodled front page”
I have since advanced to audiobooks as well, delighting in the acting talents of the voice actress portraying all the characters in the sister trilogy. I must confess that having nieces who are rapidly learning to retort with knife like tongues and are proving their sharpness of wit far outshines my own has endeared me towards Nona and her tales.
I would like to read more about a young Abbess Glass, how she rose through the ranks, dealing with loss, outwitting those around her, how she came to play the game so well and who taught her to play…. and win.
Love your words Mark. Bring us more worlds.
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I’m going to try not to agonise over these answers, so lets see what my brain shoots out super fast
1. Which of Mark’s books was the first one you read and what made you get a copy?
Prince of Thorns. I actually research thoroughly online before I even venture into bookstores. I’d never heard of Mark Lawrence before, but suddenly he was popping up in all my searches ! Other book blogs I followed were singing his praises, so I bought the entire trilogy and was engrossed in Jorgs world.
2. Do you have a favourite book by Mark? If yes, what makes it special for you?
It’s clearly Red Sister. Closely followed by Broken Empire (particularly Emperor of Thorns). What makes Red Sister special? Everything. Killer Nuns, no-big-deal LGBT rep, Kickass female leads and a rich (cold) new world to explore. Red Sister is everything I’ve always wanted !
3. Which of his characters would you like to read about in a new short story?
I’d love to know more about Kettle and Apple. That’s an easy answer for me — especially when they were younger? But I want to read more about Abbess Glass too !
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Uno) Prince of Thorns and I was on a kindle rampage it came up as a suggestion and I was hooked ever since
B) Prince of Fools. My favorite character of all time in fantasy is Matrim Cauthon from WOT and that changed to Jalan the moment I read “I’m a liar and a cheat and a coward, but I will never, ever, let a friend down. Unless of course not letting them down requires honesty, fair play, or bravery”. Jalan is no hero and the fact he knows that and embraces it makes him mine
3) Id love to hear more about Regol and his travels on his way to fancy dinner parties
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1. Prince of Thorns, it was on my long list of books to read–just borrowing bits from different writers.
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1) Prince of thorns- It was introduced to me by a good friend when I had finished reading A Song Of Ice and Fire.
2) Prince of Thorns- it’s my all time fav of Marks books because I fell in love with Jorg, his merry crew of killers and the world building for me was amazing (take nothing away from Marks other books though as I love them all). This book came to me at the right time as I was a late starter to the reading world and I took on GRRM’s (ice and fire, the whole lot of them) as my very first book i’d ever read at age 32… So I was looking for more fantasy and The Broken Empire spoke to me in the way good fantasy writing should and the story will stick with me for a lifetime.
3) Snorri Ver Snagason- I loved that big Viking and I would love to read about some of his other adventures.
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1) Prince of Thorns! A friend recommended it, and I was not disappointed!!!
2) Red Sister – The language and prose is great in all of Mark’s novels, but there was something so poetic about this one. Loved it!
3) Would love a story about Coddin’s youth and the forest watch!!!
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1. Red sister, because it kept coming up on my FB feed and people kept raving about it.
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1.Prince of thorns because I was reading a lot of recommendations around the internet about it!
2.All of the books of the broken empire triology! I loved all the characters and loved the story!
3.I would love to read more about Jorg !
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Prince of thorns was the first of your books i read………
Found out about you on the davaid gemmell legend award website.
I would like more storys set in the broken empire/..or more jorg anvarth(not sure how you would do that )
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1) Prince of Thorns, b/c I read great reviews about it on goodreads.
2) prince of thorns
3) I would say Jorg
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1. Prince of Thorns
2. Prince of Thorns
3. Snorri
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The first book I read by Mark Lawrence was Red Sister which I first came across on the Harper Voyager UK Twitter feed.
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Prince of Thorns was the first book by Mark Lawrence I read. I bought it after I read The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie as it was recommended by the book shop as similar genre. Have read everything else from Mark and look forward to Holy Sister.
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1. Red Sister was the first I’d read because I kept seeing people recommend it on Facebook
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Prince of Fools which I picked up because of repeated recommendations on the fantasy group I belong to.
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1. Prince of Thorns because the cover art was so enthralling when I found it at my local library!
2. I think Emperor of Thorns is my favorite because the entire read reeks of familiarity and it isnt until it’s too late in the end did it dawn on me why.
3. I could always read Jorg short stories. However I think right now I’d like a buddy cop type Sister Cage and Sister Thorn short story!
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I first got in on the Red Queen’s War series. Admittedly, I only bought them because Audible was having a sale and while it usually sells the first in a series I got both Prince of Fools and The Liar’s Key. After the Wheel of Osheim there was no way I wasn’t going to read the Broken Empire trilogy.
Red Sister is my favourite, and for two reasons. Firstly, it’s the first of his books that I enjoyed listening to with my wife. Secondly, that opening line is a killer (no pun intended)!
Love to hear more about Snorri’s adventures.
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1. Prince of Fools because I had trouble with the boy character Jorg in Prince of Thorns and couldn’t finish it (Took me 3 tries but I did finally read the series and loved it!).However, I liked the writing style of Prince of Thorns so I looked forward to reading something else by Mark Lawrence.
2.Emperor of Thorns
3. Jalan
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1. “Prince of Thorns”. On a particularly snowy winter holiday in Scotland, I’d already finished all the books I brought with me, so I took a trip to the local bookshop. I picked out “Prince of Thorns” from the fantasy section based on the cover, then on the description on the back.
2. Yep, “Prince of Thorns” because it was my first adventure in the Broken Empire and it was a revelation! I loved Jorg the anti-hero, I loved the violence, and I loved the writing – so easy to read, but nothing like I’d read before.
3. I miss Jorg – I could definitely take more of him. I’m midway through “Prince of Fools” and I’ve not warmed to Jalan in the same way that I loved Jorg. Gorgoth would be great, too – there’s a lot we don’t know about him. I have Red Sister and Grey Sister lined up for this winter’s Scottish holiday, so I might change my mind then!
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The first book I read by Mark was prince of thorns. /r/fantasy put me up to it. I shortly devoured everything he had written and have continued to get everything new on release day. Nona is my favorite character so far. If there was more short fiction to come out I’d want more of Jorg.
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The first I read was an ARC of Prince of Thorns, but it was a fair while before I read it cover to cover. But as soon as I did I reread it many times.
My favourite work is King of Thorns, I love how it slowly feeds you tidbits of Jorg’s plans, keeping you guessing as to what he’s doing. Red Sister is a close second, for similar reasons, and also the number of diverse yet still interesting characters.
I would love a short story about Taproot, as I really want to read more of his travels, him discovering what became of the world, and becoming that loveable circus owner.
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Prince of Thorns is the first book of yours that I read.
My favorite is Prince of Fools. I don’t think I have laughed harder reading a book.
I would like to read more about the girls and the sisters in your new series.
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Red Sister was my first read. I loved the opening paragraphs and it was different.
I don’t have a favourite, I like them all and couldn’t choose. I bought them all on audible too as I love being read too.
I would love to read more about Snorri, he’s one of my favourite characters.
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1. Prince of Thorns. I found it on Goodreads.
2. Hard to answer. I can’t say just one. But I’ll go with the Broken Empire Trilogy because I have the Omnibus and I’m going to consider that one book.
3. JORG of course. He’s my favorite
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1. Prince of Fools because a friend of mine reccomended it and I was in dire need of a good book after finishing the Malazan empire series
2. I liked quite a lot Blood of the Red and I think it has the potential to develop in quite a nice series of books.
3. Snorri 🙂
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1. Prince of Thorns. I read the opening chapter in the bookshop and decided I’d better take it home (the book, not the shop).
2. Red Sister is my favourite because of the world in which it’s set.
3. I’d like to see Abbess Glass in a short story; she’s obviously got a deep history and I’d like to learn more about it
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Prince of thorns, amazon reccomendation off of lies of locke lamora i believe.
Prince of fools- it had such a different feel to it, and Jalan was so different- nothing like Jorg at all, but still great.
And Abbess Glass, because she is the hardest savage in any book i have ever read.
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Prince of thorns , Amazon recommendations.
Red sister, because of badass nuns!
Abbess Glass!
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Reblogged this on Leona's Blog of Shadows.
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1. Prince of Thorns, I was just getting into grimdark and saw recommendations on Reddit /r/Fantasy.
2. All of them? I can’t choose!
3. Jorg! Can’t have enough Jorg!
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The first Mark Lawrence book I read was Prince of Thorns, Dark Fantasy has always been my favorite type of fantasy to read and most lists of the best Dark Fantasy to read had the broken Empire on it. My favorite book would have to be Red Sister, with how unique it is and the characters themselves it holds a special place in my heart and when I hear “to kill a nun you must bring an army of sufficient size” it brings chills even now, as far as a short story I would like to hear more of Abbess Glass I would definitely like to hear more of her backstory as a Salesman and someone who uses The Gift of Gab she is definitely a character I identify with.
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1. Do not know. I think it was the amazon algorithm that led me to Prince of Thorns. I really wish I knew.
2. King of Thorns: It’s just beautiful. And it really resonated with me. And Jorg.
3. Snorri deserves his own 10 book series ok. That’s all I’ll say on the matter.
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Prince of Thorns, the idea if a bloody revenge tale was too much for my teenage angst to resist.
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Prince of Fools was the first Mark Lawrence book I read. I bought it off a recommendation from audible and continued to finish the series. A year later and I’ve read all thr book Lawerence has published and cant wait for the new ones coming out soon!
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1) Prince of Thorns. A friend recommended you as an author and I wanted to read them in order.
2) Red Sister. I was completely surprised by how thoroughly this book about a young female protagonist drew me in.
3)Sister Kettle
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Red Sister. My friend read and recommended it.
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Would love a short story about Arabella Jotsis and the Sis families and their politics!!! Or anything with Sister Kettle!!!
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1 – Red Sister; picked it up on a whim as I’d long wanted to get into Mark’s books.
2 – Having only read 2, it’s hard to pick a favorite as yet, but if I had to I’d go with Grey Sister. It had such momentum from start to finish.
3 – Kettle and Apple for sure; those two are utterly fascinating.
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3. I’d be interested in a story of Chella about how she became who she became
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1. Prince of Thorns – it came highly recommended from a friend!
2. Red Sister – Superb story telling in a truly unique world.
3. Kettle and therefore also Apple. Amazing side characters.
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Prince of thorns. A friend told me that it was good and I was at a bookstore when it just kinda jumped off the shelf at me.
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The first book I read by Mark was Prince of Thorns. I picked it up at Books-A-Million as part of a buy two get one free deal after I’d read The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett and wanted to read the next book in his series. After I finished Prince of Thorns I went straight back to the store to look for the next in the series only to find out that it was Mark’s debut novel, and I’ve been pre-ordering his books ever since.
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1. Red Sister – The cover stood out on the shelf when I was looking for something new to read.
2. Unfortunately, Red Sister is the only book of yours I’ve been able to read thus far and I’m in the market to buy everything else when I can. I really loved how you handled the theme of Prophecy in this book. It kept me guessing what’s really going on all the way to the end.
3. I would love to read about how Abbess Glass came to be a nun of the Ancestor. Also more about Kettle and Apple.
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1. Prince of Thorns, because Jon Adams recommended it—he always has excellent book recommendations.
2. Red Sister, for the strong female characters and intriguing plot line. I devoured this book, and Grey Sister, too.
3. I’d love to see Nona meet Jorg….
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1. Prince of Thorns
2. Which ever new one is out is the one I like the best!!!! I have not read a single word from the man that I did not love!!!
3. The early life of those nun dames would be an excellent series I think, but hey you are the idea man herewhat do I kno🤷🏾♂️
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1. Prince of Thorns. I really needed a new book. I’d read the preview a few times and the level of violence was a bit much. The writing had gripped me however so when desperate for a new book I bought it.
2. Red Sister. I really like hearing about Nona’s growth as a sister.
3. Kettle and Apple 🙂
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1. Which of Mark’s books was the first one you read and what made you get a copy?
I wanted to get back into reading fantasy and wanted something a bit grittier and well-written. After searching around the internet for suggestions, I decided Prince of Thorns was a great candidate, and ended up getting it as a gift for Christmas.
2. Do you have a favourite book by Mark? If yes, what makes it special for you?
Red Sister. The characters are so good. So, so good. Did I mention the characters are good? Nona’s unflagging loyalty to her friends really appeals to me as well.
3. Which of his characters would you like to read about in a new short story?
Despite my previous answer, probably the Red Queen and/or the Silent Sister.
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1) Prince of thorns : Every time I went window shopping at a particular bookstore this book was always on the shelves catching my eye until I ended up buying it and all your books after that read 🙂
2) A toss between The Wheel of Osheim and Grey Sister
3) Jalan…..It is always nice reading stories not centered on ‘heroes’, ‘villians’ or ‘antivillians’
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1. Prince of Thorns was first. I have no detailed recollection of how I came across it other than before Goodreads membership I used to randomly trawl ‘Best Recommendation’ lists online and on Amazon. It came up on one of those for fantasy…..
2. I hate choosing a best one from the series, as each has its points. But I love the world building stage if done well in any fantasy series so it’s a toss up between Prince of Thorns and Red Sister. Prince of Thorns enthralled me as I discovered exactly what this world was, what its history seemed to be. For Red Sister, the tragic upbringing of Nona, and introduction to the nunnery plus that weird, cold world.
3. Jorg’s gang and youth are well covered in the Road Brothers. Maybe knowing more about Jorg’s father, Olidan, would be interesting. Why he turned out to be an especially hard father. Failing that maybe something from before Jorg, perhaps the interaction of an earlier Lord, knight or general wiseman with the hidden technology of this post apocalyptic world.
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The first Mark Lawrence book that I read was Prince of Thorns. Before picking up PoT, I recall I was reading book featuring an annoyingly goodwilled and uncreative protagonist (the I-wouldnt-sacrifice-a-fly kind). When I scimmed over the first chapter of PoT, the story-telling felt refreshing and different. I was not disappointed.
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The first book I read was Prince of Thorns thanks to a friends recommendation
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2. Do you have a favourite book by Mark? If yes, what makes it special for you?
“The Liar’s Key” – It’s simply the best! The funniest, the best prose and with the best motivation for characters. And I like Jalan.
3. Jalan
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1. Prince of Thorns, because I like to start at the beginning. I wanted to see what some of the ‘extreme’ side of grimdark could be like.
2. It might actually be Grey Sister. If not that, then The Wheel of Osheim. It felt like a culmination of both trilogies, not just Jalan’s story. And the drunken rooftop conversation between Jalan and the… stranger was brilliant. So many double-entendres, foreshadowing, “if you only knew what’s coming!”, and just overall great stuff with an incredible ending open to lots of interpretation.
3. For a new short story… perhaps I’m jumping the gun, but The Singular, mentioned in the Grey Sister epilogue — I’d love to see an origin story of how this person came to be, and what separates him/her from the rest of the gifted Noi-Guinn. If that’s going to be answered in Holy Sister, then I choose Snorri, because the world needs more Snorri in any form.
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1. Prince of Fools. It was on a booktuber’s to-read list and I also ended up getting a copy.
2. Red Sister, hands down. Everything from the magic system, convent setting, to the uniqueness of each character was awesome.
3. Regol. He’s a minor character and I’m hoping he’ll make an appearance in Holy Sister, but I’d love to read about dark, sardonic Regol again.
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1. Prince of Thorns. I was still in the newspaper business and reviewing books for several publications, and I received a review copy of it. I actually put it on the backburner for a while, and when I finally read it, I was sorry I waited.
2. I actually think Red Sister is my favorite so far (I haven’t read Grey Sister yet, shame on me.) I think it brings all of the best elements of the previous two trilogies together, and I have a feeling that Nona will end up being the most complex of the main characters yet.
3. My heart says Jorg, just because, but I’m going to go with Jalan. I’ve actually missed spending time with him.
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Prince of thorns , Amazon recommendations.
Red sister, because of badass nuns!
Abbess Glass!
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The first book was Prince of Thorns. I was searching Amazon for something to read and came across it. It sounded different and interesting and I went for it, and fell in love with Mark’s prose immediately.
Prince of Thorns was my introduction into Mark’s writting and that was wonderfull, I loved everything about the story and the characters. But I also loved Red Sister sooo much!
It would be very interesting to read about any Red Sister character, specially Zole I think. But I would also really enjoy a fun Jalan story.
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Prince of Thorns was the first book of Mark’s that I read, and I was hooked within the first few pages. I originally heard about it on Reddit.
I don’t have a favorite book of his because they’re all so fantastic I can’t choose just one. (That’s not a cop-out answer. It’s the truth!)
I’m really enjoying the Book of the Ancestor series and would love to read a short story about Sister Kettle and Sister Apple, especially one that takes place prior to the events of Red Sister so we could get some of their backstory.
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1. Prince of Thorns. I found it as a recommendation on Amazon and I like the synopsis and reviews.
2. Prince of Thorns, because I love Jorg and the violence!
3. More Jorg please.
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1 Red Sister. Found Mark’s work through a Facebook fantasy group. He commented on a book and a few people then commented on his books and I grew interested.
2 Grey Sister. I’ve read all Marks books and the books of the Ancestors give me a chance vanish into a different world and leave the worries of this busy world.
3 I would love to read some more about Nona and the world she lives in. To be able to travel with her and watch her grow.
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Prince of Thorns is by far my favorite, was my first, and Jorg is my guy all the way. I would like more stories about Gorgoth though, from his perspective. A fascinating character to say the least.
My Eldest Spawn picked Prince of Thorns out of a myriad of other fiction novels at the book store for some unknown reason and wanted me to buy it for him. (Hey, it’s a book. Who can say “no” to a book.) While he was reading it he was trying to describe to me the protagonist – An evil guy who was likable and not so much really evil but just brutally ruthless. Elder Spawn wasn’t sure I would like the book, but he put it on a pedestal with Tolkien so I had to give it a go. As soon as he was done I picked it up and was sucked into the story. Subsequently, I would have to wait for Elder Spawn to finish the next book before I could take it, but soon all three books were gobbled up and sadly done. I think for both of us that was one of the worst endings, because it was done and there was not more, that we have experienced in our book reading lives. That awful letdown of finality when the last sentence is read and you have to leave the story behind, the adventure over, the breath of life in the pages extinguished, no new memories to be had.
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Well this is exciting!
1. Prince of Thorns, it was a group read on Goodreads and I’d bought it after seeing a few other members comment good things. The final decision was swayed by the author doing a Q&A.
2. Tough this. I’m going with Wheel of Osheim as I really enjoyed the way the series completed with so many extra story lines opening and closing on the way. Plus a Jorg cameo. I found it a tough book to follow too.
3. Again, hard. So many good characters. Perhaps a spin off tale with Sister Apple.
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Prince of Thorns! What a great start from a new writer! Jorg was an intriguing character and a fitting introduction to grimdark fantasy. I will continue to read everything that is written by Mark Lawrence. Very exciting times as a lot of very good writers have replaced the Jordans of old!
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1. Prince off Thorns. It came to me. I found It on my e-book Reader, probably purchased and forgotten at some point. Who knows.
2. I am not sure i can make this choice. Maybe Emperor of Thorns because of the way everything fitted so exquisitely in the end. I never was a big Jorg fan, jet I he grew on me.
3. Jalan. He Neverland cease to amaze me
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1. Prince of Thorns, due to its name catching my eye, but I bought it due to how the first page grabbed me.
2. Red Sister is probably my favorite, at the moment. I found that I finished the book in a week even though I’m a slow reader because of the characters. I just felt an immediate connection plus I was raised catholic and I can tell you most nuns seem to be like ninjas.
3. Tough question but probably have to go with Clera Ghomal, since I would love to see her training after the events of Red Sister.
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Prince of thorns was my first book by Mark and remains my favourite due to just how much I was blown away by it in the moment.
I’d love to see Red Kent feature in another short story.
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1. Which of Mark’s books was the first one you read and what made you get a copy? Grey Sister, recommendations from the grimdark fantasy page have been spot on.
2. Do you have a favourite book by Mark? If yes, what makes it special for you? I’ve only read Grey Sister.
3. Which of his characters would you like to read about in a new short story? I like Nona.
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I’d like to read more about Snorri!
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1. The first book I encountered was Prince of Thorns. I had purchased the audio-book because the app I was using at the time recommended it. After hearing it I had to read it on my own and went out to buy a copy.
2. My favorite book is Emperor of Thorns. I love it because I got to see more into Jorg’s past which helped to explain why he is the way he is, not excuse it, but explain it.
3. I’d like to read more on Snorri, maybe something about him and his family before the attack on the village.
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2. The entire Broken Empire trilogy, because Jorg gives voice to what I feel and think (minus the murders and other violence 😉 ). I can point at him and say “see? see? he thinks like I do, I’m not crazy!”
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1_ Prince of thorns. My father got it for me, saying that since I always love the villains in every story I read, I’d definitely like this one since the protagonists weren’t exactly choir boys.
2_That’s tough ! I’d say that Emperor of thorns is my favourite. I wanted to know what would happen to Jorg, and he’ll always have a special place in my heart, for his growth, for his deadpan gritting humour, and for the numerous quotes that made me close the book for a while just to think about them. Grey Sister is a close competitor. The Abeth is an interesting world, and Nona’s loyalty always make me smile. Also, Keot. Just. Keot.
3_Abbess Glass. We know her past, but it was revealed in small amounts, bits by bits, and it just mademe even more curious about her and who she used to be. She’s a wonderful character.
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For me it was Prince of Thorns, which was recommended a thousandfold to me. Loved it!! 🙂
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Red sister was my first book and I loved it so much he is now an auto buy author. Grey sister is probably my favourite. I read it in one sitting I believe. Loved it so so so much!
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